#What Helped Me

The #WhatHelpedMe project brings together organisations providing advice, advocacy and emergency help in order to improve the response provided to those with extra support needs, ensuring that individuals themselves are involved and empowered through the process.

Mencap Liverpool chief executive Sarah Jones explains: “it’s a travesty that in 2016, people with a learning disability are needing to access foodbanks to survive. Unfortunately, it’s the reality we’re facing and it’s not going to improve anytime soon. We campaign for change but in the meantime, this funding allows us to help people through crisis.”

The local charity, which isn’t funded by the national charity Mencap, has been specifically focusing on the needs of people who have mild and moderate learning disability since 2010.

“We wanted to concentrate on helping those who didn’t have any other form of support. Most people don’t have paid support and many don’t have family who can help either. This means that simple things like understanding a letter, going to an appointment or filling out a form can often be missed and result in someone not receiving the benefit they rely on to survive- and not understanding why!”

Mencap Liverpool was recently awarded five years funding through the Big Lottery Fund’s ‘Help Through Crisis’ programme, based on their successful track record of working with individuals to improve their immediate circumstances, which has seen many people flourish in the long term.

The funding will enable the small charity to continue its vital outreach service and work with local partners RAISE, St Andrew’s Community Network and Liverpool Citizen Advocacy.

“Together we’ll work to ensure that people with a learning disability are supported by agencies in the best way. This might include making information about a service available in Easy Read so that it can be understood, or tailoring a food package to ensure meals are easy to prepare by those with limited literacy or understanding of food safety. It’s about ensuring people are suitably equipped to deal with their crisis situation and know how they can avoid getting stuck again. It’s about enabling people to manage better for themselves, rather than making them dependent on hand outs. Those benefitting from the project will have a crucial role in helping to shape the improvements made. “

The National Coalition of Advocacy schemes will involve beneficiaries in the ongoing evaluation of the project’s work, ensuring their voice is heard throughout.